GLENDALE – A former three-time Pro Bowl cornerback still believes the Arizona Cardinals are missing a crucial winning piece heading into the 2025 season. Antrel Rolle, who played for the franchise for five seasons in the mid 2000’s, had some strong words on a massive hole on the roster. Arizona had back-to-back four win seasons, before last season broke that streak and doubling the win total to eight. The team is showing improvements, but Rolle thinks that the Cardinals are still lacking an identity.
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Aug. 22, 2009; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle against the San Diego Chargers during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Rolle on what’s missing for Cardinals:
“I’ll watch them sporadically, and I think what’s going on with the Cardinals is that they have yet to find their identity. When I got drafted to the Cardinals, the first year we went like 4-12 or something. It was bad, but you could see the growth coming. You saw guys who really wanted it.
“Larry Fitzgerald was probably the hardest-working guy I’ve ever seen on the offensive side of the ball. Getting paid wasn’t enough. These guys wanted to change the culture. You’d see Anquan Boldin out there practicing and playing like a complete dog, and you had to keep up, or you’d get shipped out.”
January 29, 2008; Tampa FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antrel Rolle (21) at the Cardinals press conference at the Hyatt Plaza hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The former 2005 eighth overall pick pointed out Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin on the offensive side of the ball that led by example with their work ethic. Rolle stated that Darnell Dockett was the same way on defense and all three were massive leaders for Arizona’s Super Bowl trip in 2008.
At the moment, Rolle doesn’t see one currently on the roster that matches those guys intensity. The massive contract and guaranteed money has gotten rid of the hunger in some guys, according to the 42-year-old. The former Super Bowl champion has seen first hand what it takes to bring a title to a franchise and doesn’t see the pieces with the Cardinals.
Dec. 14, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Antrel Rolle against the Minnesota Vikings at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The players that would fit that role would be Budda Baker and Kyler Murray. Baker is a two-time All-Pro and is notorious for his vocal presence on the defense, which has earned the role of captain for the past few seasons. Meanwhile, Murray’s commitment to football has always been a topic of discussion, with his controversial contract clause and other factors off the field.
However, Murray has grown in maturity the past few seasons since his ACL tear, which has seemingly matured him greatly. The 27-year-old is in the prime of his career and has the opportunity, with likely the most talented defense in his career, to lead his team to the first playoff win with him under center.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
